Replies

1. 
   northhouguy | Mar 12, 2008 05:49am | #1

   Is the motor on the lathe an induction motor or a universal motor?  If it is a universal, (has brushes), it will probably work.  If it is an induction motor I wouldn't try it with out an OK from BOTH manufacturers.  Some induction motors have to run at full speed to cool themselves.  Slowing down an induction motor could burn it up. 

   Also, depending on how the speed control is achieved, (electronic wave choppers or resistors) the controller might not be compatiable.

   My recommendation would be to get the instruction book for your lathe and call Jet and the controller manufacturer.  Then you'll know for sure.   

   Good luck!!

   Oh, by the way, last time I called Rockler with an electrical question the person on the phone didn't know sawdust from shinola, so beware.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 3/11/2008 10:51 pm ET by northhouguy

1. 
   peteryu65 | Mar 12, 2008 05:56am | #2

   Uhh, I think I mentioned that it is an 1/2 hp induction motor but thanks anyway!

2. 
   saschafer | Mar 12, 2008 06:03am | #3

   No. Router speed controls only work with universal motors. It's not a matter of safety; it just won't work. The speed of an induction motor is a function of the line frequency and the winding geometry, and cannot be altered except with some rather fancy electronics (which probably cost more than the whole lathe...).

   Have you looked into retrofitting the variable speed drive into your lathe? I don't know if that's feasible, or if you'd have to replace so much you'd be better off just selling the existing lathe and buying the variable-speed version.

   -Steve

    

3. 
   QCInspector | Mar 12, 2008 01:00pm | #4

   http://www.pennstateind.com/store/tclvskit.html

   For a little more cash you could convert your lathe and keep the old motor as a spare or use it for something else.

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Mar 12, 2008 03:38pm | #5

   QC,

   Now that looks interesting. 

   I have a really old Dunlap lathe that I've been looking for a motor solution to for some time now.  It appears that this would work for me and is reasonably inexpensive to boot.  There is no motor mount on my lathe so it would need to be mounted outboard of the lathe which sems would simplify installation of this kit.

   Your link doesn't state the HP of the motor so I will need to contact Rockler.

   Thanks,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

1. 
   saschafer | Mar 12, 2008 04:22pm | #6

   "Your link doesn't state the HP of the motor so I will need to contact Rockler."

   What? You mean "_ HP" isn't enough information? Actually, another page at the Penn State site lists it as 1/2 HP, so power-wise it should be a direct replacement for the Jet motor. Fine for a mini-lathe, but a bit underpowered for something bigger.

   -Steve

    

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Mar 12, 2008 06:19pm | #7

   Steve,

   The Dunlap that I have is what they refer to as 9 x 39, which I would call a midi lathe.  I'm mostly interested in turning spindles, tool handles, etc.; basically small stuff.

   Regards,

   Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

   Edited 3/12/2008 11:21 am ET by KiddervilleAcres

1. 
   JohnWW | Mar 12, 2008 07:21pm | #8

   Note that the Rockler motor is a face mount, there is no foot or base on it for attaching to a bench top. You can make a cradle for it or a bracket to face mount it on a bench top but either will require some engineering. Get a link belt to hook it up, that will save you a lot of trouble with speed changes and belt tensioning.John W.

2. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Mar 13, 2008 06:11pm | #10

   Just wanted to let everyone know that I emailed Rockler support and got a quick response.  The HP on the motor is ½HP and does not come with mounting hardware except for the pulley face and bolts.

   I figure for $100 it's worth a try.  'Sides, it could also make a good setup for a grinding/sharpening station with a little creative jigging/fixturing.

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

2. 
   RonT | Mar 13, 2008 05:21pm | #9

   40739.5 in reply to 40739.1 

   http://www.pennstateind.com/store/tclvskit.html

   For a little more cash you could convert your lathe and keep the old motor as a spare or use it for something else.

    

   Looking at this link, the motor looks like a Magnetic Motor. For $100 for a motor and controller, one has to wonder what you are buying. I would be concerned I might be opening a bucket worms.

   It might be a cheaper deal, in the long run, to let the lathe supplier set you up with what you really need.

   Edited 3/13/2008 10:22 am ET by RonT

1. 
   QCInspector | Mar 13, 2008 08:12pm | #11

   "Looking at this link, the motor looks like a Magnetic Motor. For $100 for a motor and controller, one has to wonder what you are buying. I would be concerned I might be opening a bucket worms.
   It might be a cheaper deal, in the long run, to let the lathe supplier set you up with what you really need."While I respect your concerns, I think that since the suggestion is of upgrading a $250.00 (approximately) lathe made in an Asian country with a motor /controller kit also likely from an Asian country, that "bucket of worms" is kind of small. If the lathe were a Oneway I might agree.You could buy a good domestic 3 phase motor and match it to a variable speed controller of North American linage, to end up worm free. However for that price I think that you would be able to buy several of the cheap ones and burn them out in succession, wearing out the lathe in the process, and still be ahead. The link showing the picture of the Jet lathe was from Woodcraft. Poking around their site I found they list the 6 speed lathe at $249.99 and a variable speed model for $329.99. That would give someone the option of contacting Jet to order the variable speed motor and controller from their parts department and try them on the older style lathe. I suspect the Jet route would cost more and the quality about the same as the kit I linked.In the end we make the choice and live with the consequences. Sometimes they work out and sometimes we get some worms to go fishing with.;)

1. 
   saschafer | Mar 13, 2008 08:21pm | #12

   "...that 'bucket of worms' is kind of small."

   More like the little styrofoam cup of night crawlers you get at the convenience store? ;-)

   -Steve